Manipur: Missing Naga Villager Found Shot Dead in Kangpokpi After Four-Day Search
Kangpokpi, June 9: A 50-year-old Naga man who had been missing for four days was found dead in a forested area of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday, raising fresh concerns amid the state’s continuing ethnic unrest.
The deceased has been identified as Chumazalung Naga, a resident of Charoi Pandongba village under the jurisdiction of New Keithelmanbi Police Station. Security personnel recovered his body during a search operation conducted near the village. Officials reported that the victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and that his hands were found tied behind his back.
According to reports, Chumazalung was one of three Naga villagers who went missing after an armed attack occurred at nearby Loibol Khullen village on June 5. While the other two individuals later returned safely, he remained unaccounted for despite extensive search efforts by local residents and security agencies.
The body was discovered at approximately 1:15 p.m. during a combing operation in a forested area close to Charoi Pandongba. Following the recovery, police and security forces secured the area and initiated additional search operations in the surrounding region.
The incident has further intensified concerns in northern parts of Manipur, where sporadic incidents of violence continue to occur against the backdrop of the state’s prolonged ethnic conflict.
The development also comes amid reports of an ongoing hostage situation linked to the unrest. According to available information, nearly 20 individuals, including six Nagas and 14 Kukis, are allegedly being held captive by armed groups and have remained untraced for several weeks.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the motive or circumstances behind the killing. Police have launched an investigation, and further details are awaited.
